Top 5 STOCK VIDEO Footage Sites
Howto & Style
Introduction
Stock video footage can significantly enhance your video projects, allowing you to add professional quality visuals without the need to shoot everything yourself. Over the past 15 years of making videos, I've explored numerous stock video platforms. In this article, I'll share the top five stock video websites, comparing their pros and cons, including some free, subscription-based, and pay-per-clip options.
1. Pexels
Pexels is a fantastic starting point for those who don't have the budget for more premium stock videos. By navigating to the video tab on their website, users can browse a broad range of free stock videos available for download. Each clip provides insight into its popularity through view counts and indicates whether attribution is required. You can search for specific themes, such as a "tiger," and filter results to find videos in various orientations and resolutions. However, keep in mind that as Pexels largely relies on user-generated content, the quality might not always be on par with more professional sites.
2. Vidy
Vidy offers free stock video footage in both HD and 4K quality. Users can search for specific clips and preview them directly on the site before downloading. It's essential to check the licensing information, as some clips may require attribution. Vidy also provides filtering options to refine your search, including resolution and license type, helping you find what you need efficiently.
3. Envato Elements
Envato Elements is my personal go-to stock video site, and it offers a subscription model. With over two million high-quality stock footage clips available, the platform caters to a variety of creative projects. Subscribers gain access not only to stock videos but also to royalty-free music, graphic animations, templates, and stock photos—allowing you to consolidate resources without hopping between different platforms. With its extensive library, you're likely to find what you need quickly.
4. Pond5
Pond5 operates under a pay-per-clip pricing model, with prices starting around $ 25 for individual video clips. It provides a variety of licensing options, making it suitable for commercial and editorial uses. The site offers advanced filtering features, which help users find high-quality content for serious projects. It's advisable to use Pond5 if you're creating content for clients as part of your video production services, but it may be less cost-effective for casual YouTube creators.
5. Film Supply
If you're looking for top-tier cinematic footage, Film Supply is the place to go. Clips from this platform come at a premium, typically costing $ 99 for internal use and $ 200 for web use. The quality is exceptional, with videos that appear to be straight out of a film. This site is best suited for higher-end projects, particularly those that require a polished, professional look.
Keyword
- Stock video
- Pexels
- Vidy
- Envato Elements
- Pond5
- Film Supply
- Free stock videos
- Subscription service
- Pay-per-clip
- Cinematic footage
FAQ
1. What are stock videos?
Stock videos are professionally produced video clips that can be licensed for use in various projects, such as YouTube videos, commercials, and presentations.
2. Are there free stock video sites?
Yes, websites like Pexels and Vidy offer a range of free stock videos, though some may require attribution.
3. What is a subscription stock video service?
Subscription services, like Envato Elements, allow users to pay a monthly fee for access to a vast library of stock videos, music, graphics, and more.
4. How does Pond5's pricing model work?
Pond5 charges per clip, with prices typically starting at around $ 25, allowing users to purchase only the clips they need.
5. What makes Film Supply different?
Film Supply specializes in high-quality, cinematic footage created by professional filmmakers, making it suitable for high-end video projects.
